Fireworks: Keeping eyes safe

The 4th of July is right around the corner and those celebrating with fireworks need to take the appropriate precautions to keep their eyes safe. Each year, emergency rooms across the United States see hundreds of patients with eye injuries caused by fireworks. The number of these injuries doubled from 600 in 2011 to 1,300 in 2014.

Injuries can range from burns and corneal abrasions to rupturing of the eye globe. Even a corneal abrasion can lead to permanent vision loss. Eye injuries can occur if you are near but not actually handling the fireworks. Nearly half of all eye injuries caused by fireworks are sustained by bystanders.

When participating in a fireworks celebration, here are some safety tips to follow:

Adhere to safety barriers at fireworks shows.

Do not let small children play with fireworks. Even the seemingly “innocent” sparklers are dangerous. They can burn at temperatures ranging from 1800 degrees Fahrenheit to 3000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Wear the recommended protective eyewear whether you are handling the fireworks or are just a bystander

If you experience an eye injury you should seek medical attention immediately and do not touch your eye or anything in your eye.

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